During Autism Acceptance Month, I keep coming back to something simple: The words we use are changing. Not just one word—but how we talk about autism more broadly. We’re seeing shifts like: → reframing terms like “mild” and “severe” → more conversations around identity-first and person-first language → questioning older, more medicalized ways of describing difference It’s a reminder that language isn’t fixed. It evolves as our understanding evolves. For many, having language can shape how we understand ourselves and others. At the same time, across the spectrum, experiences—and support needs—can look very different. That diversity is part of what makes this conversation complex… and important. Something I’m still working through myself is how to hold both: → not wanting autism framed as something to fix → recognizing that support needs are real and matter Acceptance isn’t just about awareness. It’s also about noticing the words we use—and being open to how they’re changing. Because language shapes how we see people… and how people come to see themselves. In this space, we’re not aiming for one “right” way to say things. We’re building shared language by: → staying open → listening to lived experience → and letting understanding grow over time If you’re open to sharing— have you noticed language around autism changing over time?

Starting now 💜 It's more like lunch and chat today 🥑

This started as a small moment — one of those times where I noticed I was talking… and it wasn’t helping. I decided to draw things out with my daughter, and was encouraged by the shift. I shared it as a Reel. And it seemed to resonate with people... So I made a longer video to unpack it — because this isn’t really about behaviour… it’s about what’s hard to see. Time is one of those things. When time isn’t visible, we end up relying on words to carry too much. And sometimes, that’s where things start to break down. Here's the video if you'd like to explore. I'm also available next week for a virtual coffee chat drop-in if you'd like to talk about it in real time!